Sloane Stephens says she received more than 2,000 messages of ‘abuse and anger’ after US Open defeat
Stephens wrote on her Instagram story Saturday: “I’m human, after final evening’s match I acquired 2K + messages of abuse/anger from individuals upset by yesterday’s outcome. It is so laborious to learn messages like these, however I will put up a couple of so that you guys can see what it is like after a loss…”
Stephens shared a number of messages she stated she acquired.
One message learn: “I promise to search out you and destroy your leg so laborious you could’t stroll anymore @sloanestephens! Fixer and corruption such as you have to be ban perpetually in jail! I hope you loved your final moments on court docket right this moment.”
“This sort of hate is so exhausting and by no means ending,” Stephens wrote. “This is not talked about sufficient, however it freaking sucks.”
Regardless of the vile messages, the 2017 US Open champion stated she is “selecting optimistic vibes over adverse ones.”
“I am blissful to have individuals in my nook who help me. I am selecting optimistic vibes over negatives ones. I select to point out you guys happiness on right here, however it’s not all the time smiles and roses.”
The 28-year-old did share some optimistic messages on her Instagram story.
“Let me say I actually like the way in which Sloane is progressing and the place are we heading to. Really feel tremendous assured in regards to the subsequent steps,” learn one message, whereas one other stated: “My Queen, I had a flash again. Happy with your work right this moment. You probably did what I anticipated you to do. We love you.”
Instagram has reviewed the accounts flagged by Stephens and eliminated any which violated its insurance policies.
An organization spokesperson from Fb, which personal Instagram, stated: “The racist abuse directed at Sloane Stephens after the US Open is abhorrent. Nobody ought to must expertise racist abuse wherever, and sending it on Instagram is towards our guidelines.
“Along with our work to take away feedback and accounts that repeatedly break our guidelines, there are security options out there, together with Remark Filters and Message Controls, which might imply nobody has to see this sort of abuse.
“No single factor will repair this problem in a single day however we’re dedicated to the work to maintain our group protected from abuse.”
Kerber defeated the unseeded Stephens in three units, 5-7 6-2 6-3.
“Disappointing loss yesterday, however I am on track,” Stephens wrote on Instagram.
“Actually, a lot to be happy with! Been preventing battles all 12 months and have not backed down but. By no means cease preventing! You win otherwise you study, however you by no means lose.”
The continued US Open, the final grand slam of the calendar 12 months, concludes on September 12.
